Completion of new Shearing Shed
Rocklyn’s new shearing shed was completed this month, just in time for our Autumn lamb shearing. The shed is based on the ‘Arrow Park’ shed design developed by shearing contractor and wool grower Hilton Barrett, and Australian Wool Innovation. The design aimed to address worker safety and animal welfare concerns while also achieving improved shed efficiency and wool quality. The design was developed following extensive industry consultation and reviews of existing working sheds as well as multiple trials. A few years ago, Ralph visited the ‘Arrow Park’ shearing shed to view the design and was very impressed with it so decided to adopt the design, with a few refinements.
Rocklyn’s shed features:
a large, open wool room with high weight-bearing plywood flooring
a 6-stand, flat cypress pine board for improved safety, welfare, efficiency and quality assurance
non-directional plastic flooring for drainage, minimal light penetration and ease of sheep movement
sloped, front fill catching pens with lower doors
straight drag to workstation and chute to reduce impact and strain on shearers
increased height underneath for easy access to count out pens
truck access
pen space for up to 350 up top
under cover sheep storage for up to 800 sheep
under cover external yards with additional capacity of up to 800 sheep
large windows that encourage air flow
well lit work area
toilets and kitchen amenities
wide ramps and stairs with safety features
many more features to improve shearing and wool handling operations
While yet to be tested at our main shearing in November, the shearing of the lambs in April went smoothly and both Ralph and the shearing team were happy with how it went. A big thanks to Jason McGaw’s building team, sub-contractors for Central Steel Build, and everyone who helped make this much longed-for shed happen. It will certainly improve shearing operations in terms of work-flow, efficiency and quality assurance as well as safety and comfort for both the shearing team and the sheep.
